Dispensing stand-up pouch

ABSTRACT

The stand-up fluid dispensing device ( 10, 100 ) includes a container ( 42 ) with an outer surface, opening, interior fluid storage region ( 44 ) therein and an exterior outer region. A support structure ( 60 ) is affixed to the container ( 42 ) to maintain the container ( 42 ) in an upright condition at all times. Throughout the life of the product and regardless of amount of media ( 12 ) in the device ( 10, 100 ), it will remain standing upright to better display the package at all times. The support structure ( 60 ) is preferably a jacket filled with a gas, such as air. The jacket ( 60 ) can include a plurality of pockets ( 62 ), such as tubes filled with air. The stand-up fluid dispensing device ( 10, 100 ) may also include a metering pump ( 64 ) that can include a leakage control mechanism to control the dispensing of media ( 12 ) from the device ( 10, 100 ).

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from prior U.S. Provisional ApplicationSer. No. 60/869,420 filed on Dec. 11, 2006.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to dispensing devices and packages forvarious types of materials. More specifically, the present inventionrelates to devices that can dispense media, such as fluids and gels andother materials, from a source of such media.

Various types of fluid material and media are employed for differentpurposes through commerce and industry. For example, there are variousproducts in the personal care, home care, air care, transportation care,and food industries that require some type of dispensing of media, suchas a fluid material, from a source of such media. When this material issold in commerce, it must be contained and stored in some type ofcontainer. When that product is used, it must be dispensed from itsstorage container to a location for use.

In the prior art, there are many different types of dispensers fordelivering fluid material. For example, a flexible container body with anozzle tip is commonly provided for such a purpose. An application ofsuch use is for the dispensing of ketchup where the container body issqueezed by the user to urge the fluid material out from the nozzle tipand accurately to a desired location. The amount of fluid delivered isdetermined by the how much the user squeezed the container body.However, this yields erratic results where more or less fluid materialis delivered on each successive squeeze of the container body. Also, thecontainer must be held upright to avoid leakage because no valves areemployed.

In another example of a prior art dispensing device, a flexiblecontainer holds a volume of fluid material to be delivered. A singleone-way check valve is provided as an exit port from the flexiblecontainer. When the flexible body is squeezed, the material is urged outunder pressure through the valve.

There is also a need in the prior art to provide a dispenser of mediathat is easy to manufacture yet is able to stand upright or in a desiredorientation at the point of sale and during all stages of use of thedispenser until all of the media has been dispensed.

To address this problem, gusseted packages have become very popular formany different types of dispensers, such as those for beverages. Theyare typically inexpensive and easy to manufacture. Essentially, agusseted body formed from sheets of container material is provided wherea base is constructed so that the package can stand upright on its own.There are literally hundreds of stand up pouches (SUP) used in thepackaging industry. These pouches may include an exit port or some kindof a removable cap to allow the user to empty or dispense the liquid.The designs of these SUPs generally incorporate the use of pleats orgussets to allow for some expansion and provide a flat or level bottomthat will stand-up on the store shelf.

The media in SUPs, such as fluid, is contained within the containerbody. A nozzle or orifice is provided at one end of the dispenser whichis typically closed off with a cap. When dispensing is needed, thepackage is picked up and squeezed to urge media out through the nozzle.A valve is often used to control flow of media. While these gussetedpackages are common, they can sometimes be difficult to manufacture andare limited in shape due to the requirements of the gusseting to ensurethat the package can stand upright when not in use.

Also, there are problems with known SUP dispensing devices in that theyare very expensive to manufacture. It is difficult to dispense the mediain an accurate and controlled manner. Moreover, these SUPs constructionrequire a cap to seal the package between uses. Also, they cannot besufficiently compressed to assist in removal of all of the mediacontained therein.

When a SUP is full, the material therein tends to push outward on thecontainer body of the SUP to cause it to maintain its upright condition.However, as the media is emptied from the SUP, it typically tends tocollapse and/or tip over because the media therein is no longer presentto help maintain the SUP in a stand-up condition. As a result, it iscommon for the SUP to be place on its side to avoid the inconvenience ofit tipping over. When this happens, the SUP no longer positioned uprightand the product's appearance suffers as a result. In that connection,the logo, branding and other indicia, such as the contents of thedispenser can no longer be easily seen when the SUP is not standingupright as when it was when full at the original time of purchase.

In view of the foregoing, there is a need for a dispenser that is easyto manufacture that can stand upright or in a given configuration on itsown at all stages of the use of the product within the dispenser. Thereis a need for a dispenser that is aesthetically pleasing to the eye yetcan still house and dispense media in a controlled, accurate and meteredmanner. There is a need for a SUP dispenser that obviates the need foruse of a cap between uses and that can provide metered delivery of themedia therein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention preserves the advantages of prior art dispensingdevices that are capable of dispensing various types of media, such as,liquids, gels and solids. The present invention is capable of dispensingin a metered fashion any type of such media, including beverages,lotions and powders. The SUP dispenser of the present invention staysupright regardless of the amount of media product remaining in thedispenser. In addition, it provides new advantages not found incurrently available devices and overcomes many disadvantages of suchcurrently available devices.

The invention is generally directed to a novel and unique SUP typedispenser for dispensing media. Many types of media may be dispensedusing the present invention and liquids is one example and will bediscussed in detail herein. This invention shall not be considered to belimited to the dispensing of liquids. It is understood by a person ofordinary skill in the art can modify the present invention toaccommodate any such media.

The present invention is a stand-up fluid dispensing device (SUP) thatpreferably includes a container having an outer surface and an opening.The container defines an interior fluid storage region therein and anexterior outer region. A support structure is affixed to the containerto maintain the container in an upright condition. Therefore, throughoutthe life of the product and regardless of amount of media in the device,it remains standing upright to better display and store the package atall times. More specifically, the indicia on the package, such as themanufacturer's name, branding and description of contents continues tobe clearly displayed during the entire life of the product.

The support structure can be any type of rigid member or members but ispreferably a jacket filled with a gas, such as air, positioned about thecontainer of the media. The jacket can include a plurality of pockets,such as tubes filled with air. The stand-up fluid dispensing device mayalso include a metering pump mechanism to control the dispensing ofmedia from the device. The metering pump mechanism preferably includestwo one-way valves.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a SUPdispensing device that can remain standing at all times regardless ofthe amount of media present in the dispenser.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a fluid dispensingdevice that can deliver a substantially equal volume of fluid materialfrom each dispensing operation of the SUP.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a fluiddispensing device that is easy and inexpensive to manufacture.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a fluiddispensing device that includes a support structure to keep the SUPupright at all times that is easily incorporated into existing SUPconfigurations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features which are characteristic of the present invention areset forth in the appended claims. However, the invention's preferredembodiments, together with further objects and attendant advantages,will be best understood by reference to the following detaileddescription taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the dispensing stand-up pouch ofthe present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the pouch of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A is a top view of the pouch of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3B is a bottom view of the pouch of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view through the line 4-4 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a close-up perspective view of the metering housing withstand-off legs;

FIG. 6 is a close-up perspective view of the metering housing with coilspring;

FIG. 7 is a front view of an embodiment of the stand-up pouch of thepresent invention with an air jacket support structure;

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the stand-up pouch of the presentinvention illustrating the construction thereof; and

FIG. 9 is a front view of another embodiment of the stand-up pouch ofthe present invention;

FIG. 10 is a front view of yet another embodiment of the stand-up pouchof the present invention with an air jacket support structure;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the meteringdispensing system of the present invention that includes improvedvalving to prevent the inadvertent or accidental dispensing of liquidtherefrom;

FIG. 12 a is a front exploded perspective view of the meteringdispensing system shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 b is a front exploded perspective view of the metering pumpmechanism formed as a standalone unit;

FIG. 13 is a perspective cross-sectional view, through the line 12-12 ofFIG. 10, of the metering dispensing system of the present inventionillustrating the improved valving;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view through the line 12-12 of FIG. 10;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view through the line 12-12 of FIG. 10illustrating actual dispensing of the fluid; and

FIG. 16 is a perspective cross-sectional view, through the line 12-12,of the metering dispensing system of the present invention illustratingthe creation of additional backflow through the exit channel by internalpressure to the one-way outlet valve.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The invention is generally directed to a novel and unique SUP typedispenser 10 for dispensing media 12. Many types of media 12 may bedispensed using the present invention and liquids is one example andwill be discussed in detail herein. This invention shall not beconsidered to be limited to the dispensing of liquids. It is understoodby a person of ordinary skill in the art can modify the presentinvention to accommodate any such media 12.

The present invention is an improved dispenser 10 over prior artcontainers, bottles and gusseted dispensers. First, in general, thepresent invention includes a SUP that has a support structure positionedthereabout to maintain the SUP in an upright condition at all times andregardless of the amount of media product left remaining in thedispenser.

Also, the present invention provides for a SUP with a metering dosingpump for controlled dispensing and delivery from the SUP. For example,the metered dosing pump construction set forth in commonly owned Ser.No. 11/074,817, filed on Mar. 8, 2006 in a gusseted SUP type package,which is incorporated herein by reference, is optimally used in thepresent invention.

Turning first to FIGS. 1-3, the SUP 10 is equipped with a dosing andmetering pump 26 of the type which is shown in detail in FIG. 4 anddiscussed in detail below. It is envisioned that a low cost dispensingand dosing feature is added to SUP dispensing packages 10 withoutrequiring an outside shell is required. The dosing and metering pump 26is incorporated directly into the SUP 10. In FIGS. 1-3, the pump 26 islocated proximal to the top of the SUP 10 where it is envisioned thatthe SUP 10 can be grasped by the hand of the user so their thumbdepresses the pump while securing the SUP 10 on the opposing side withtheir other fingers, such as their index finger. The pump 26 dispensesliquid through an exit port 14 for use. It should be understood that thepump 26 and exit port 14 can be located anywhere on the SUP 10 dependingon the configuration of the SUP 10 and the type and characteristics ofthe media 12 to be dispensed. The bottom of the SUP 10 provides a levelor flat surface 16, as in FIG. 2, via edges 18, as seen in FIG. 3B, tohelp maintain it upright.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a cross-sectional view through the line 4-4 ofFIG. 1 is shown to illustrate the inner construction of the SUPdispenser 10 of the present invention. A two-valve pump 26 is mountedto, for example, the front face 20 of the SUP 10 with a hidden exit tube22 provided. A single pump of the pump mechanism 26 causes a knownmetered amount of media 12 to exit the exit tube 22 at location A. Thesize and shape of the dosing can be customized to the application andmedia 12 at hand. Similarly, the exit location A can be anywhere on thepackage 10 depending on the application and type of media 12, and thelike.

The use of the two-valve pump 26 in a SUP 10 eliminates the need for acap that must be removed and then re-applied between uses. This is asignificant advance in the art. Also, the SUP construction 10 of thepresent invention can employ a series of pleats 24, as seen in FIG. 2,to assist in evacuating all of the media 12 from the SUP 10. As aresult, the SUP 10 can unfold and fold so the appearance of the SUP 10is acceptable at all times. Since the pleats 24 allow for the package 10to expand, the SUP 10 can even be “wrung out” to permit virtually all ofthe liquid 12 to be evacuated. However, these pleats or gussets 24 areoptional components and may be used, if desired.

Still referring to FIG. 4, a cross-sectional view through the line 4-4of FIG. 1 is shown to illustrate the internal construction of thedispensing device 10 of the stand-up dispenser of the present invention.A container body 42 is provided which includes a fluid storage region 12that contains a volume of fluid material 12 therein. The container 42 ispreferably made of a flexible material, such as plastic or nylon. Thus,as fluid material 12 is evacuated from within the container body 42, itwill collapse gradually for a compact structure, if desired. However, asbelow, a support structure may be employed to prevent such gradualcollapsing to keep the SUP 10 upright at all times.

A metering housing 26 is provided at a first opening 28 of the containerbody 42. The metering housing 26 includes an intake one-way valve 30,such as a check valve, to pull fluid 12 from the fluid storage region 44of the container body 42 into a metering chamber 32 of a predeterminedsize. Any type of valve can be used to suit the given application. Theintake valve 30 is positioned in a base plate 34 of the metering housing26. An intake tube (not shown) can be connected to the base plate 34 tohelp reach areas in the inside of the container 42 that included fluid12 to be dispensed but that cannot be reached. Fluid 12 can only flow inone way from the fluid storage region 44 into the metering chamber 32.The metering chamber 32 is defined by a flexible membrane 36 in the formof a button or bulb which is accessible and manipulatable by the user.The button 36 is preferably clear to provide an indicator to theconsumer when the metered dosage of fluid material 12 is ready fordelivery.

An output valve 40 is provided in fluid communication with the meteringchamber 32 of the metering housing 26. Thus, the fluid residing in themetering chamber can only exit through the output valve 40 via exit port22. The output valve 40 can be in many different configurations. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 4, the output valve 40 is a collapsible tubethat acts as a valve due to interior and exterior pressure exertedthereon, as indicated by arrows B.

In the preferred embodiment, the metering housing 36 and exit port 22are on the same side of the dispenser 10. Certain applications mayrequire that the exit port 22 be on a side opposite to the meteringhousing 36. In that case, a fluid conduit (now shown) may be provided todirect the exit of fluid 12 at any location through the container body42. Therefore, a fluid conduit can be directed and located to exit atany point through the container body 42 depending on the application athand. Also, the output valve 40 may be located at the exit port 22, asan alternative depending on the requirements of the application.

Still referring to FIG. 4, the operation of the dispensing device 10 isfurther explained. The button 36 of the metering housing 26 is depressedto initiate a vacuum operation. More specifically, when the button 36 isfurther released, fluid 12 is pulled from the fluid storage region 44 ofthe container body 20 into the metering chamber 32 which is configuredto be of a certain known volume. The act of releasing the button 36fills the metering chamber 32 to substantial capacity. Thus, a meteredamount of fluid material 12 is contained within the metering chamber 32in preparation for delivery. The size of the metering chamber 32 can beselected according to the type of fluid material 12 to be dispensed andthe application therefor and the desired dosage volume.

A further depression of the button 36 urges the measured volume of fluid12 within the metering chamber 32 to be exited out through the outputvalve 40 of the metering housing 26. This known amount of fluid material12 is then delivered through the exit port 22 for use.

Referring back to FIG. 1, an efficient method of manufacturing a qualitydispensing device 10 is to employ heat welding to construct thecontainer 42. For example, a two side panels 42 a, 42 b as in FIG. 3A,are typically heat welded to each other and to a bottom panel 42 c, asin FIG. 3B, about their periphery to form a SUP container 42, generally,with an interior fluid storage region 44 therein.

Turning now to FIGS. 1, 4, 5 and 6, further enhancements to the meteringhousing 26 construction is shown in detail. As seen in FIGS. 1, 4 and 5,a number of stand-off legs 50 emanate downwardly from the base plate 34of the metering housing 26. These legs 50 prevent the base plate 34 fromcompletely bottoming out and block flow of fluid material 12 into theintake valve 30. The stand-off legs 50 are particularly useful when thevolume of fluid material 12 left in the container 42 is running low andthe container 42 is becoming relative flat in configuration. In thissituation, there is a possibility that the aforesaid bottoming out mayoccur. However, the use of the stand-off legs 50 of FIG. 5 prevent thisfrom occurring.

FIG. 6, with reference back to FIGS. 1 and 4, illustrates a furtheroptional modification of the metering housing 26 to ensure that maximumsuction is achieved and that the entire metering chamber 32 is filledupon each depression and release of the button 36. A spring-biasingstructure 52 resides within the button or bulb structure 36 of themetering housing 26. Thus, the button 36 recovers quickly whileproviding a strong suction or vacuum to fill the interior of themetering chamber 32 with the desired metered volume of fluid material24. A coil spring is preferred for the spring-biasing structure 52 butother spring-biasing structures, such as leaf springs and foam materialmay be employed for this purpose. While it is preferred that spring backof the button 36 occurs without any additional spring-biasing, such asby a spring in FIG. 6, use of such a spring-biasing structure 52 may bedesired in certain uses of the present invention but is not in any wayrequired.

Also, the SUP construction 10 of the present invention can employ asupport structure, generally referred to as 60, to maintain the SUPpackage 10 in an upright condition even while product is being depletedtherefrom and when it is even almost empty. Thus, the support structurecan be used to maintain a SUP upright at all times because even a SUPdoes not fully stand up upright, especially when most of the product isremoved from the package. Also, a non-SUP package, such as a flat pouch,can equipped to enable that non-SUP pouch package to stand upright atall times, as well.

As seen FIGS. 7-10, details of the support structure that may include aframe or skeleton to assist in keeping the pouch 10 in a stand-upcondition. The frame 60 can be integrated into the pouch 10 or connectedto the exterior or interior thereof. Such a frame 60 is optional and canbe used if desired. This would be particularly useful if a pouch 10 doesnot include gusseted bottom to form a support for keeping it upright.Many times, even if the bottom is gusseted, the SUP 10 collapses whenproduct is depleted therefrom. Also, this support structure 60, which isused to keep the pouch 10 standing upright, is preferably inflatable toprovide a stable structure to help keep the dispenser 10 of the presentinvention standing upright while using the same materials andmanufacturing techniques that are already being used to form thecontainer of the SUP 10.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a stand-up dispenser, generally shown as 100,is shown that is equipped with a support structure 60 that is in theconfiguration of a inflatable jacket that surrounds the container body10. In this case, it can be seen that the inflatable jacket 60 keeps thecontainer body 10 standing upright even though the container body 10itself does not include gussets and is not a stand-up pouch on its own.Of course, the support structure 60 can also be used with a SUPcontainer 10 to further enhance and improve the overall stand-upqualities thereof.

The inflatable jacket 60 is positioned about the container 10 thathouses the product media 12 to be dispensed. The inflatable jacket 60 ispreferably a number of tubes 62 filled with air or some other type ofgas or liquid. As can be seen in FIG. 7, the tubes 62 are arranged sothat when they are inflated during the manufacturing process, the createa structure 60 that stands on its own. When the container 10 isgradually depleted of product media 12, it will attempt to collapse dueto gravity. Since it is attached to the inflatable support structurejacket 60, which is rigid in construction, the container 10 will alsoremain upright at all times achieving the desired advantages discussedin detail above.

FIG. 8 illustrates further details concerning construction of anembodiment of a container 10 equipped with a support structure 60 in theform of an inflatable jacket with an optional metering pump 64 installedthereon. The support jacket 60 includes one or more tubular or bladdermembers 62 that is filled with air. A top film 66 is provided on theouter surface of the bladder 62 while a bottom film 68 is provided onthe inner surface of the bladder 62. Preferably, two bladders 62 or twoarray of inflatable members 62 are provided with the aforesaid innerfilm 68 and outer film 66. The two members are mated together with thedispensing pouch 10, as in FIG. 9, sandwiched therebetween. Alongitudinal weld 70 preferably secures the two halves together aboutthe pouch 10 to complete the overall stand-up dispenser 100. FIG. 10illustrates the finished dispenser 100 with the inflatable jacket 60installed thereon to maintain the over dispenser 100 in an uprightcondition at all times.

The pump 26 and construction for dispensing the liquid can be carriedout in many different ways. In another embodiment of the pump anddispensing system, the construction may be configured to includeimproved valving over the configuration of FIG. 4 to avoid leakage toprevent accidental dispensing of liquid. Details of this configurationis also the subject matter of commonly owned Ser. No. 11/951,351, filedon Dec. 6, 2007. Such a leak resistant configuration can be easilyincorporated into a SUP dispenser of the present invention and alsoequipped with a support structure described herein.

Turning now to FIGS. 11-16, details are shown of a device 300 thatincludes the improved valving of the present invention that preventsinadvertent or accidental dispensing of liquid 302 even when pressure isplaced on the dome pump 326 or storage container 320. FIG. 11illustrates a perspective view of a metering dispenser 300 that employsthe improved valving in accordance with the present invention. An outerstorage container 320 is provided that may be formed of two sheets ofmaterial 304, 306 secured together, such as by welding, or a tube ofmaterial. A metering pump, generally referred to as 326, pulls liquid302 from the storage container 320, meters it, and then dispenses it viaan exit port 308.

FIG. 12 a shows an exploded view of the top sheet 304 of material thatforms a top portion of the storage container 320 and the metering pump326 that are shown in FIG. 11. The metering pump 326 is installed onto asheet of material 304, which serves as the top wall of the storagecontainer 320. The sheet of material 304 includes a one way flappervalve 310, preferably of thin film construction, that may be configuredto be normally open. Flapper valve 310 may also be configured to layflat when at rest. Similar to that shown in FIG. 4, a metering housing312, in the form of a flexible housing, is positioned above the one-wayflapper valve 310. A base plate 314 with a flow aperture 316 therethoughis positioned below the sheet of material 304 and the flapper valve 310.The base plate 314 may be convex to assist in operation of the pump 326,as will be described below. The flexible housing 312 and the base plate314 are welded at their respective peripheries to the sheet 304 to formthe pump construction. An additional length of material 318 is welded tothe sheet of the material 304 at its longitudinal edges to create anexit pathway 322 for the dispensed liquid 302. The weld lines 324 areshown on the top sheet of material 304 to achieve this direction of flowof liquid 302. In this particular embodiment, the exit pathway 322 ispositioned on the upper surface of the top sheet of material 304 thatforms the storage container 320 for the dispensing device 300. Since theadditional length of material 318 and the top sheet of material 304 lievery closely to one another, this structure also serves as an exit valveto prevent further unwanted flow of liquid 302 from the device 300.

In this embodiment, the one way flapper valve 310 is integrated into thetop sheet of material 304 of the storage container 320, as seen in FIG.12 a for welding of the flexible housing 312, base plate 314 andadditional sheet of material 318 thereto. This length of material 318may be attached to the top or bottom of the skirt 312 a of housing 312.Length of material 318 may be extended (not shown) to include a ring offilm material that is attached to the bottom of the skirt 312. It isalso possible that the pumping mechanism be of a discrete standaloneconstruction 426 that can be incorporated into a storage container body320. FIG. 12 b illustrates such a standalone pump construction 426 thatcan be installed under a sheet of a material 402 that forms a wall ofthe storage container (not shown). In that connection, the flexible domehousing 404 is preferably routed through an aperture 406 in the sheet ofthe material 402 and welded in place to skirt 404 a, as desired. Theexit pathway 406 and valve 408 can be welded to the sheet of material402 along their respective longitudinal lengths at 414 to sheet 418. Abase plate 410 with liquid flow through aperture 412 can also be weldedto the bottom surface thereof. Or, the free end of the exit pathway 406and valve can be welded on its opposing sides to the primary weld thatseals the storage container, as seen in FIG. 11 so that the exit pathwayco-terminates with the edge of the storage container 320.

Turning now to FIGS. 13-15 further details of the operation of the astandalone pump construction 426 with improved valving of the presentinvention is shown. Additional sheet of material is not shown for easeof illustration and for clarity. FIG. 13 illustrates a perspectivecross-sectional view and FIG. 14 illustrates a cross-sectional viewthrough the line 12-12 of FIG. 11. It is this valving that prevents anyadvertent or accidental dispensing of liquid 302 from the storagecontainer 320 when pressure is accidentally or inadvertently applied tothe dome pump housing 404. Stand-off legs 422 are provided on theunderside of the top of the flexible dome pump housing 404 and the baseplate 410 is provided in a convex configuration to ensure that the flowthrough aperture 412 through the base plate 410 is sealed only whendesired. Stand-off legs 424 are also provided on the bottom of the baseplate 410 to assist in sealing the one-way flapper valve 408 and toprevent a vacuum suction as described above.

More specifically, the dispensing operation actually requiresapplication of force to the flexible dome housing 404 of the dome pump426, as well as the stand-off legs 424 on the bottom of the base plate410. Since it is unlikely that force would be inadvertently oraccidentally applied to these two areas simultaneously, the likelihoodof accidental or inadvertent dispensing of liquid is substantiallyeliminated.

In the dome pump 426 of the present invention, the base plate 410,through which the flow through aperture 412 passes, is preferablyslightly convex, although it may be flat, if desired. Resting above theaperture 412 and within the cavity 405 of the dome is a flapper valve408 of preferably thin film construction. It is possible that thisflapper valve 408 be configured of a normally open condition but alsomay be configured to lie flat when at rest. As long as the plate 410with the aperture remains convex, the flapper valve 408 does not sealagainst the aperture 412 such that any inadvertent contact with theflexible dome pump housing 404 does not result in the dispensing of theproduct. Instead, since the flapper valve 408 is open, liquid productresiding inside the cavity 405 of the flexible pump housing 404 willtend to simply flow back through the inlet aperture 412 to the reservoirwithin the storage container itself, as indicated by the arrow in FIG.14, rather than flow undesirably out through the exit valve to outsideof the dispenser 400. In use, if a person has the dispenser in theirpocket or purse and pressure is accidentally or unintentionally placedon the flexible housing 404 of the dome pump 426, liquid will not flowoutside the dispenser thereby preventing a mess from being made due tounintentionally dispensed product.

FIG. 15 illustrates intentional dispensing of liquid 302. When it isdesired to actually dispense the liquid product 302, the user's thumb430 can depress the flexible dome 404 and the user's index finger 432can invert the base plate 410 from convex to concave, by application offorce against the stand-off legs 424, such that flexible dome 404, withthe assistance of the stand-off legs 422 under the flexible dome,securely seals and provides a positive lock of the flapper valve 408over and about the aperture 412 thereby closing the liquid flow passageback into the reservoir 434 of the storage container 320. It is alsopossible that the base plate 410 is concave and then is inverted to aconvex configuration. Other fingers of the user may be used to carry outthis operation. Thus, the only path for the liquid 302 contained withinthe cavity 405 of dome 404 is to exit through the one-way outlet valve436 for intended dispensing of the product, as indicated by the arrowsin FIG. 15.

It should be understood that the stand-off legs 422 on the bottom of theflexible dome housing 404 and the stand-off legs 424 on the bottom ofthe base plate 410 can be modified in size, length and configuration toadjust the amount of squeezing necessary by the user's fingers 430, 432to effectuate sealing of the flapper valve 408. For example, preferablyfour stand-off legs 422 are provided on the bottom of the flexible domehousing 404 in a 2×2 array and can be 1/32 of an inch in length. It isalso possible that these stand-off legs 422 can be a single downwardlydepending wall, such as in the shape of a circle or square. Such anarray is configured to downwardly press against the one-way flappervalve 408 outside of the diameter of the aperture 412 through the baseplate 410 to provide a good seal of the flapper valve 408 to the baseplate 410.

It should be understood that the operation of the 326 pump configurationof FIG. 12 a is similar in operation to the pump 426 shown in FIGS. 12 bthrough 15. The pump 326 of FIG. 12 a may be installed onto a container,similar to pump 426, to controllably dispense liquid therefrom. Morespecifically, pump 326 is also operated in a fashion similar to pump 426whereby flapper 310 is secured into a closed condition by the user'sfingers as shown in FIG. 15. While the operation is the same as pump426, the construction of pump 326 of FIG. 12 a is slightly different, asdescribed above, to best accommodate a given container environment.

Similarly, the amount of convexity of the base plate 410 can be modifiedto adjust the amount of squeezing pressure to carry out the sealing ofthe one-way flapper valve 408. Still further, it is possible that thestand-off legs 422 on the inside of the flexible dome 404 and/or thestand-off legs 424 on the bottom of the base plate 410 can be omitteddepending on the required configuration of the pump 426 and the type ofmaterial to be dispensed.

Turning now to FIG. 16, the present invention provides further structureto prevent unwanted dispensing of liquid. In addition to the improvedvalving, as above, automatic shut-off of the exit port passageway 436,when pressure is exerted on the exterior of the storage container 320,serves to prevent leakage. In FIG. 16, when pressured is applied to theoutside of the storage container or pouch 320, as indicated by arrowsreferenced A, the exit port passageway 436 tends to collapse, flattenand squeeze closed. As a result, any material residing in the passagewayis urged back into the cavity 405 of the flexible dome housing 404, asindicated by arrow referenced B. As a result, unwanted leakage isprevented when accidental or unintentional pressure is placed on thestorage container 320.

The embodiments of FIGS. 11-16 are well suited for providing controlledmetered delivery of liquid 302 in an type of container or pouchdispenser configuration, such as stand-up pouches (SUP) gussetedpouches, printed pouches, reclosable zipper pouches as well as pouchesand other vessels that include some type of tear away or punch hole exitport. For example, a hand cleaner dispenser with a tear away exit portwould be particularly well-suited for pump configurations shown in FIGS.11-16.

In general, the present invention can include valve geometry that caneasily be modified to handle a large range of viscosities by, forexample: 1) modifying the channel width 406; 2) creating backflowpressure through weld footprints; 3) modifying the shape of the channel406; 4) modifying the size and shape of the flow aperture 412 throughthe base plate 410; 5) modifying the size, length and configuration ofthe stand-off legs 422 on the dome housing and the stand-off legs 424 onthe bottom of the base plate 410; and 6) modifying the size, shape, flexand configuration of the one-way flapper valve 408. Also, the valveposition can easily be modified to adjust the automatic shut-offpressure.

The dispensing device of the present invention has a wide array ofapplications of use to take advantage of the unique metered dosage leakresistant capabilities of the present invention. Virtually any dispenserwith any type of applicator material or combinations of applicatormaterials in different configurations can employ the present invention.

For example, the cleaning products and personal care industry hasparticular application in the controlled and metered dispensing of bathand shower gels. Also, medicines, cosmetics, hair care products, such ashampoos, skin care products, such as lotions, insect repellants andsunscreen products can employ the present invention. Also, various homeproducts can be delivered in a device according to the presentinvention. These include products for furniture cleaning and polishing,tub and shower cleaning, floor cleaning and polishing, window cleaning,odor elimination, oven cleaning, laundry cleaning and apparel treatment.Also, air treatment devices can employ the present invention. Cleaningproducts can be dispensed in a controlled fashion, such as those forcleaning cars, bikes, planes and trucks. The food industry has numerouspotential applications, particularly for the dispensing of condiments,sauces and vitamins.

Further, the location where the fluid material 24 is delivered to thesurface of the device can be easily modified to suit the givenapplication. For example, the material 24 can be delivered to the sameside of the container 20 as in FIGS. 10 and 11 or to the opposing side,as in FIGS. 1-3. The materials used for the container 20 and themetering housing 26, while preferably flexible plastic, can be anysuitable material for the application at hand. Also, the container 20can be made of a different material than the metering housing 26.

The dispensers 10, 100 of the present invention have a wide array ofapplications of use to take advantage of the unique metered dosagecapability of the present invention and the structural support member.

For example, the personal care industry has particular application inthe controlled and metered dispensing of bath and shower gels. Also,medicines, cosmetics, hair care products, such a shampoos, skin careproducts, such as lotions, insect repellants and sunscreen products canemploy the present invention. It is particularly useful for theseproducts to remain standing upright to conserve space in a drawer orcabinet rather than lay flat after product media has been dispensedtherefrom.

Also, various home products can be delivered in a device 10 according tothe present invention. These include products for furniture cleaning andpolishing, tub and shower cleaning, floor cleaning and polishing, windowcleaning, odor elimination, oven cleaning, laundry cleaning and appareltreatment. Also, air treatment devices can employ the present invention.

Still further, cleaning products can be dispensed in a controlledfashion, such as those for cleaning cars, bikes, planes and trucks. Thefood industry has numerous potential applications, particularly for thedispensing of condiments, sauces and vitamins.

To employ the dispensing device 10, 100 of the present invention, thesize and construction of the metering housing 26 as well as thepositioning of where the fluid material 12 is delivered to the surfaceof the device can be easily modified to suit the given application. Thematerials used for the container 42 and the metering housing 26, whilepreferably flexible plastic, can be any suitable material for theapplication at hand. Also, the container 42 can be made of a differentmaterial than the metering housing 26.

The support structure is preferably an inflatable jacket 60 but can beof many different types of configurations. A single bladder 62 can beemployed about the container pouch 10 or two bladders 62 that matetogether, as described above. Or, a plurality of many inflatable members62 can be welded together to form the desired support structure, as inFIG. 7.

In view of the foregoing, a new and unique SUP media dispenser 10, 100,which is well suited for liquids, gels and other media, is provided. Thenew dispenser facilitates the delivery of liquids and other media,optionally in a metered and dosed manner, while providing an attractiveappearance that is maintained throughout the use of the product. Itshould be understood that the present invention is not only applicableto packages of the stand-up (SUP) type but also to any type of pouch,dispenser or container. Such a product may or may not have features,such as gussets, pleats, and the like, to assist in the evacuation ofthe media. The new and novel dispenser 10, 100 is provided that candeliver consistent metered dosages such fluid material 12 while standingup or in a desired orientation at all times.

It would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changesand modifications can be made to the illustrated embodiments withoutdeparting from the spirit of the present invention. All suchmodifications and changes are intended to be covered by the appendedclaims.

1. A stand-up fluid dispensing device, comprising: a container having an outer surface and an opening; the container defining an interior fluid storage region therein, and an exterior outer region; and a support structure affixed to the container to maintain the container in an upright condition.
 2. The stand-up fluid dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the support structure is affixed to the outer surface of the container.
 3. The stand-up fluid dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the support structure is a jacket filled with a gas.
 4. The stand-up fluid dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the gas is air.
 5. The stand-up fluid dispensing device of claim 3, wherein the jacket includes a plurality of pockets filled with a gas.
 5. The stand-up fluid dispensing device of claim 3, wherein the jacket includes a plurality of tubular members filled with a gas.
 6. The stand-up fluid dispensing device of claim 1, further comprising: a flexible metering housing, having a metering chamber therein with a predetermined volume, disposed in fluid communication with the fluid storage region via the first opening; a first valve disposed between the container and the flexible metering housing and permitting unidirectional fluid flow from the interior fluid storage region of the container into the metering chamber thereby filling the predetermined volume of the metering chamber; the flexible metering housing further including an metering housing output port; a second valve, having a second valve output port, in fluid communication with the metering housing output port and permitting unidirectional fluid flow from the metering chamber to the exterior outer region of the container of a volume of fluid substantially equal to the predetermined volume of the flexible metering housing.
 7. The stand-up fluid dispensing device of claim 6, further comprising: a fluid conduit connected at one end to the second valve output port and at the other end to a exit port defined by the container.
 8. The stand-up fluid dispensing device of claim 6, further comprising: a fluid conduit disposed between the metering housing output port and the second valve.
 9. The fluid dispensing device of claim 6, wherein the first valve and the second valve are one-way check valves.
 10. The fluid dispensing device of claim 6, further comprising: standoff means connected to the metering housing and proximal to the first valve to prevent the first valve from being blocked.
 11. The fluid dispensing device of claim 10, wherein the standoff means is at least one leg.
 12. The fluid dispensing device of claim 10, wherein the standoff means is a spring.
 13. The fluid dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the container is a gusseted stand-up pouch.
 14. A stand-up fluid dispensing device, comprising: a stand-up container having an outer surface and an opening; the container defining an interior fluid storage region therein, and an exterior outer region; a flexible metering housing, having a metering chamber therein with a predetermined volume, disposed in fluid communication with the fluid storage region via the first opening; a first valve disposed between the container and the flexible metering housing and permitting unidirectional fluid flow from the interior fluid storage region of the container into the metering chamber thereby filling the predetermined volume of the metering chamber; the flexible metering housing further including an metering housing output port; a second valve, having a second valve output port, in fluid communication with the metering housing output port and permitting unidirectional fluid flow from the metering chamber to the exterior outer region of the container of a volume of fluid substantially equal to the predetermined volume of the flexible metering housing.
 15. The stand-up fluid dispensing device of claim 14, further comprising: a fluid conduit connected at one end to the second valve output port and at the other end to a exit port defined by the container.
 16. The stand-up fluid dispensing device of claim 14, further comprising: a fluid conduit disposed between the metering housing output port and the second valve.
 17. The fluid dispensing device of claim 14, wherein the first valve and the second valve are one-way check valves.
 18. The fluid dispensing device of claim 14, further comprising: standoff means connected to the metering housing and proximal to the first valve to prevent the first valve from being blocked.
 19. The fluid dispensing device of claim 18, wherein the standoff means is at least one leg.
 20. The fluid dispensing device of claim 18, wherein the standoff means is a spring. 